Help with fluval 406 input/output

I could use some input. I do biweekly filter cleanings on my fluval due to heavy bio load. Lately I've noticed it's getting harder to reattach the input/output back onto the filter. The red locking mechanism doesn't want to side into a locking position. I've tried everything with repositioning the input/output to get it to line up. Today I almost broke the red locking tab. What am I doing wrong? Should I add some lubricant to help it? I'm stumped. Any suggestions?

I could use some input. I do biweekly filter cleanings on my fluval due to heavy bio load. Lately I've noticed it's getting harder to reattach the input/output back onto the filter. The red locking mechanism doesn't want to side into a locking position. I've tried everything with repositioning the input/output to get it to line up. Today I almost broke the red locking tab. What am I doing wrong? Should I add some lubricant to help it? I'm stumped. Any suggestions?

You need to lube the O-Rings and it will slide in easy try a very small amount of Vaseline only enough to lube the ring.
On my 406 I replaced the stock hoses with 5/8 vinyl works so much better.

Aqguy - thanks. I'll do that. I haven't lubed the o ring in a long time.

Xmas- I clean once every two weeks. Not twice a week. Nothing wrong with my set up. I have 5 large goldfish in 120g. The fluval (which is one of 3 filters) is too small for this set up and needs to be cleaned frequently.

use 100% silicone lube thats food safe it wont eat the o rings. I believe home depot carries o-ring lube for faucets in the pb department . im using pent-air o ring lube sold for pump o rings.
same lube for big ring on 406 I have the same pump\filter also check the red\black impeller cover while your in there if its warped it will not hold head pressure .. I set mine in a pot of very warm water keeping the rubber from touching the bottom or sides of the pot just enough to make it go back flat .. I think these need yearly replacement when they flex like mine did .

btw plantedrich before the ick incident i had the co2 rolling perfect plants were growing well like huge weeds i had to shut it down until i get the temps down and the meds out just didn't want hit em with extra issues , but thanks for the tips you were dead on ,,, i ended up figuring out the timer and that worked perfect and gently .

i may get slapped for posting links but its what i used , ive done a million model heli builds with sinc grease and silicone grease i just refuse to use petro jelly as it eats rubber including my head damnpers which are also rubber ....use silicone and replace them every so often if you feel cuts or they break down the last thing you want is a flooded floor .

Vasoline has been used as long as it has been around. Too handy to ignore.

No pun intended right?

I have had this problem too in the past with this filter. One thing that has helped me in addition to what has already been mentioned. Is when I am connecting the hoses back to the canister. Since it is unplugged I open the valve back up. This allows for the air somewhere to go when it is being sucked back on. I know, it sounds strange but it has helped, at least for me.

Register Now

In order to be able to post messages on the The Planted Tank Forum forums, you must first register.
Please enter your desired user name, your email address and other required details in the form below.

User Name:

Password

Please enter a password for your user account. Note that passwords are case-sensitive.

Password:

Confirm Password:

Email Address

Please enter a valid email address for yourself.

Email Address:

Log-in

User Name

Remember Me?

Password

Human Verification

In order to verify that you are a human and not a spam bot, please enter the answer into the following box below based on the instructions contained in the graphic.